King Charles forced to distance himself from ‘anti-racism’ event after outcry from Jewish groups

The King and Queen have been forced to distance themselves from an event in Walthamstow celebrating an “anti-racism” protest last August which had descended into antisemitism.

King Charles and Queen Camilla attended the event today on the invitation of the leader of Waltham Forest Council, Cllr Grace Williams, “to celebrate the cohesion of the borough’s community following a peaceful anti-racism protest in August 2024, where thousands of Waltham Forest residents came together to demonstrate the true community spirit of the borough.”

However, the protest – one of many held around the country in the wake of the Southport murders – had been characterised by hateful rhetoric that many Jews saw as antisemitic.

Alongside calls for “intifada” and chants labelling Israel a “terrorist state”, numerous speakers at the event – hosted by the SWP affiliated "Stand Up To Racism" – made highly inflammatory statements.

Most notable was Kent Labour councillor Ricky Jones, who was later suspended and arrested after calling for people to “cut the throats” of “Nazi fascists”.

Another speaker described how “inspiring” it was to see Bangladeshi students overthrow their government, before leading chants of “there is only one solution, intifada revolution.”

After being alerted to the matter by the JC, a Palace spokesman said: “It is not the case that Their Majesties are in any way endorsing any element of antisemitic protest. Quite the opposite; the purpose of this visit is to celebrate and encourage inter-community harmony.”

He added: “Their Majesties strongly oppose antisemitism or any form of racism. His Majesty is a strong supporter of all faiths and regularly meets with and convenes different faith leaders. Representatives of different local faith groups (including Jewish and Muslim communities) will meet The King in Walthamstow. This includes the leader of the Walthamstow Faith Council who is Jewish.”

However, Jewish groups questioned whether it was appropriate for the King and Queen to be endorsing such a highly-charged, political protest.

A spokesman for the Campaign Against Antisemitism said: “This is a blunder by the Palace. This illustrates the sort of very widespread misunderstanding there is about a lot of the protests that we’ve seen over the past year that purport to be ‘anti-racist’.

“They may have been righteously protesting against the far-right, but they were also making explicit calls for violence. How could courtiers send the King and Queen to honour a demonstration where protestors took to the streets and called for an ‘intifada’?

“In the past, intifadas have always been campaigns of terrorist violence, including suicide bombings. Celebrating this does not send an ‘anti-racist’ message but one of hatred and bigotry against Jews.”

Alex Hearn, co-director of Labour Against Antisemitism, added: “Sadly, the truth about the rally in Walthamstow is that some of it also bore the hallmarks of a hate rally.

“Led by speakers, supposed anti-racists frequently chanted for “intifada” which involves violence against Israeli Jews such as stabbings and blowing up cafes and clubs.

“There were calls to “overthrow the government” and the Socialist Workers Party featured prominently — after their brand was damaged by sexual assault scandals, they now also appear as Stand up to Racism. I would be very wary about celebrating this rally and legitimising it as ‘community cohesion’.”

Cllr Williams told the JC: “Their Majesties The King and Queen have chosen to visit Waltham Forest to meet local community volunteers, emergency services, front line staff and local community and faith representatives, to celebrate the strong sense of community togetherness in the borough,” she said. “The reception includes representatives from all faiths, including Judaism.

“The majority of attendees in August gathered to stand against the violent racist protests seen across the country in the preceding days and show support for their neighbours. Our focus was on working with the police and community partners to keep people safe and reassured, and to be prepared in case the violence seen elsewhere across the country was replicated in Waltham Forest. Many people were involved in preparing for potential disorder on the night of the protest, including representatives from the organisations listed above.”

She added: “I condemn all forms of hate expressed towards any religious group including antisemitism and Islamophobia. The council has a key role to play in fostering community cohesion and we are determined to do everything we can to tackle hate in every form. We have campaigned hard to let residents know how to report hate crime this year and we work with the police on issues raised in the borough.

“I hope that this note provides some reassurance that the visit of Their Majesties The King and Queen is intended to focus on recognising and celebrating the people of Waltham Forest of all faiths and backgrounds who live side-by-side as a united community.”